A comparison of vision tests for children aged 4 and 5 years
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A prospective study to compare the log values recorded with Kay Pictures, Kay letters and Keeler Logmar crowded vision tests in children aged 4 and 5 years.
IRAS ID
191024
Contact name
Helen Griffiths
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sheffield
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 4 days
Research summary
Vision screening is carried out for children aged of 4 and 5 years, with the aim of detecting reduced vision and amblyopia (lazy Eye).
The pass level for the vision test in the UK has been set by a national committee. There are variants of this type of test, some using letters for vision verification and others using pictures. From anecdotal clinical experience it seems easier for children to meet the criteria for passing the screening if the picture test is used, and the different formatting of different letter tests may affect legibility and readability. Therefore, if the same referral criterion is applied to all tests it could result in children with reduced vision being missed leading to permanent uncorrected vision defects.
The majority of the research will be carried out in schools assessing children aged 4 and 5 years and children of this age under orthoptic treatment at the Princess Royal University hospital, Orpington.
This study will determine if there is a difference between the tests, with the aim of recommending revised referral criteria depending upon which test is carried out.
Data collection will be carried out over a 4-12 week period and the children’s vision will be assessed using the tests. Eyes will be tested separately, using glasses which cover each eye individually. Children do not need to know the alphabet as there is a card showing all the letters which can be used to match.
A routine test to detect any squint (misalignment of the eyes) will be carried out. This requires the child to look at a picture whilst either eye is covered in turn.
None of the tests will cause any discomfort to the child. Testing will take around ten minutes.REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
16/NI/0046
Date of REC Opinion
7 Mar 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion